In the macho world of howling engines, burning rubber and men of action on Jordan's Red Sea Coast, one racing team doesn't quite fit.

Drivers from across Arabia descend on Aqaba for its annual street rally - a test of skill, and courage fuelled by high octane testosterone.

Racing for the first time since the Palestinians' status was upgraded to a non-member observer state in a near-unaminous UN vote are the Speed Sisters - an all-female Palestinian team.

Noor from Ramallah, Betty from Bethlehem, and Mara from Jenin are the only female racing team in the conservative Middle East.

After crushing her thick, black mane into a crash helmet, Noor hit the circuit. Young men and women screw their heads from side to side as she drifts a borrowed BMW around car tyre obstacles.

The crowd cheers as she manages to give the thumbs up using the other hand to spin through 360 degrees.

Image Caption:It hasn't always been easy for the drivers

The port city is happy to give her the R.E.S.P.E.C.T she demands. Indeed they lap it up. But it hasn't always been easy.

"At the beginning of course, they go 'what the hell' you know, she's Arab, why's she racing, she's a Palestinian girl, she should be at home getting married, or just you know, taking care of the house," said Noor Daoud.

So what. Motorsport has been reigned by men for too long, said the Speed Sisters. And anyway, it's become their way out.

"When I race I feel I'm fighting the occupation. You know, occupation is not easy to live under, I can't go with my car to the beach, to Tel Aviv, to Jerusalem - so driving, racing, makes me feel freedom, passion - tough", said Betty Saadeh.

She added: "It gives me a very strong personality."

They have at least one Israeli fan.

Image Caption:The team in action

A vocal supporter bellowed: "I think it's an amazing thing for girls to do, I wish I could do the same, I can't but they are amazing, all of them are amazing, I wish I could be like them."

She was asked: "Why can't you?" The fan replied: "Because I don't have a driving licence!"

As the day's results come in, the Speed Sisters are doing well, ranking in the top 10 out of 67 drivers - among them Saudi men who come from a country where women are not allowed behind the wheel at all.

Next month, the team will be racing in Dubai. They all have global ambition and hope to turn professional soon.

But these sisters aren't doing it just for themselves - they're telling the world that Palestine has arrived.